AUSTRALIA GIVES AWAY GAS. WE’RE GIVING AWAY BEER. “TAX GAS KNOCK OFF TOUR” HITS NEWCASTLE

MEDIA RELEASE
2026.05.08

If Australia’s going to give away its gas for free, Punters Politics figured it’s only fair Newcastle gets a round.

On Friday, Konrad Benjamin will roll into five Newcastle pubs on his e-bike, shouting free beers for locals as part of the "Tax Gas Knock Off Tour" - a celebration of the everyday Australian punter, who somehow manages to pay more tax on a cold one than multinational gas giants pay on resources we all own.

Backed by Grifter Brewing Co and Heaps Normal, the tour will pour free beer and raise a glass to every Australian who's ever sunk a cold one.

"This is a celebration," Benjamin said.

"Every time an Aussie buys a beer, they're contributing more to this country than Big Gas does. That deserves a toast."

Australia is one of the world's largest LNG exporters. The gas belongs to all of us. The tax settings, however, mean billions in revenue disappear to corporate profits each year, while everyday Australians pay full freight on everything from their wages to their Wednesday schooner.

"You can't opt out of tax on your pay cheque," Benjamin said.

"But if you're a multinational gas company selling resources you didn't create, on land you don't own, to countries overseas - apparently you can get pretty close."

Benjamin will travel pub-to-pub shouting rounds, talking to locals, and asking one question:

Why are Australians paying more tax on beer than the companies selling our gas?

The Federal Budget lands on 12 May 2026. It's time oil and gas companies cough up for our resources.

Come celebrate with us. The beers are on Punters Politics.

TOUR ROUTE:

• 3.30pm - The Ship Inn, 102 Hunter Street
• 4.00pm - George Darby, 21 Darby Street
• 4.30pm - The Del Hotel and Pub, 134 Darby St
• 5.00pm - The Oriental Hotel, 53 Bull Street
• 5.30pm - The Lass O’Gowrie Hotel, 14 Railway Street

Media contact: oipunter@punterspolitics.com